Save A vibrant, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a creamy basil pesto sauce—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
The first time I made this pesto chicken bowtie pasta, my family couldn't stop raving about how creamy and fresh it tasted. It's become our go-to when we need a fast but satisfying dinner that feels a little special.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground
- Basil pesto: 120 g (1/2 cup), store-bought or homemade
- Heavy cream: 120 ml (1/2 cup)
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp, grated
- Cherry tomatoes (optional): 120 g (1 cup), halved
- Baby spinach (optional): 60 g (2 cups)
- Toasted pine nuts (optional): 2 tbsp
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese: for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 60 ml (1/4 cup) of pasta water.
- Sauté the chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add pesto and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine chicken and pasta:
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add vegetables (optional):
- If using, add cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until spinach is wilted and tomatoes are just softened.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with toasted pine nuts, extra Parmesan, and fresh basil.
Save My kids always help sprinkle the fresh basil on top, and it's a moment we look forward to while enjoying warm pasta together around the dinner table.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, colander, chef's knife, cutting board, wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains milk/dairy (Parmesan, cream, pesto), pine nuts (in pesto and as garnish), gluten (pasta). Some store-bought pestos may contain tree nuts (cashews) or other allergens. Always check labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 580 calories, 25 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein.
Save This vibrant pesto chicken bowtie pasta is best enjoyed right away while it's perfectly creamy. Serve with a green salad for a complete meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I cook bowtie pasta perfectly?
Boil salted water and cook bowtie pasta until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes, then drain and reserve some pasta water for sauce adjustment.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, shrimp or turkey can be used as alternatives; adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they stay tender.
- → What is the best way to combine pesto and cream?
Simmer pesto with heavy cream over medium heat, stirring gently until slightly thickened, to create a smooth, rich sauce.
- → How can I add extra vegetables to this dish?
Fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes work well when stirred in last and cooked briefly to retain texture and color.
- → What garnishes enhance the dish's flavor?
Toasted pine nuts, freshly grated Parmesan, and basil leaves add a delightful aroma and textural contrast.